Indian Vintage 2021 — Specifications

Don't call it a Chief Vintage anymore, but simply Vintage. Indian has decided to drop the Chief designation for this family of custom motorcycles... of which only this representative remains. The Dark Horse, Classic, and standard models have left the catalog. The name changes, the spirit remains.

The Indian Chief Vintage rides through history. A touch of imagination transports you to the plains of Arizona, where warriors and horses still gallop in the memories of the land. With its large Havana-colored leather saddlebags, its substantial engine, and a style worthy of a grand cavalry, is the Chief Vintage imbued with the spirit of the Apache warriors of yesteryear!?

Before thinking about the days of yore, let's see what the present brings in terms of technology to orient ourselves towards the future. Unimaginable just yesterday on an American custom, electronics now dictate the character of a Massachusetts-built engine. Three! Yes, three injection maps allow you to modulate the temperament of the Thunderstroke twin. Supple, standard, or taut, the character becomes customizable. As with any good, substantial engine, you feel the heat at times. In front of a red light in full sun, doesn't that remind you of something!? Since 2019, the Thunderstroke 111 ci can shut off its rear cylinder to calm the calorific fumes. Clear the way, twist the throttle and the two connecting rods stir together again, gently propelling the Chief.

It's no longer the steps of horses but the pulsed exhalations of the twin that animate this grand steed. Based on the Chief Classic, the Vintage is more widely equipped to blend into an old-school episode. The hips are weighted with the aforementioned saddlebags, a large removable windshield sits atop the tribe of headlights, and what can be said about this magnificent leather seat. A true Western motorcycle.

Before handing the handlebars to Cole Younger or Jack McCall, let us be transported to the West to the rhythm of the large 1811 cm3 twin. It can deliver 15.3 mkg to lift the 379 kilograms of the Indian. It smells of bison in the cast aluminum frame; originating from Springfield since 2020. With revised geometry and a shorter wheelbase, this Indian of the great plains will gain in maneuverability. The rear benefits from now adjustable shock absorbers. This, however, cannot divert the gaze from the empire, from the grip of its enormous engine. We forget (especially that they are well hidden) the 4-piston brake calipers around 300 mm discs. The rear brake has the same wheel diameter but a 2-piston caliper; all supported by a standard ABS. The Indian Chief Vintage, like the rest of the range, is equipped with a 20.8-liter tank, a 6-speed box complemented by a belt transmission, a 46 mm fork, a speed regulator, and a keyless start system.

We appreciate the spoked wheels, the whitewall tires, the Native American cowl on the front fender, the wide dashboard with its large needle speedometer, its gleaming chrome, and its long, typical skirts. We like less the salty price... which must, however, be relativized. The previous edition of Chief Vintage, equipped with the PowerPlus 105 engine, demanded almost 40,000 euros. Today, we are below 28,000. At that price, there's no room to stow the Winchester, but a fair dose of passion and a true American icon.

M.B - Photos manufacturer

Engine maps:

- The "Tour" mode offers progressive acceleration for optimal driving smoothness. - The "Standard" mode is characterized by a still reactive throttle and a balanced and progressive power delivery. - Finally, the "Sport" mode offers an instant throttle response and an aggressive power distribution for even more pronounced acceleration.